2017-2018 Lenape Orchestra Handbook
Mrs. Jessica Tosti – Director
Email: Phone: 267-893-2900 x1578
Teacher Site:
Welcome to the Lenape Orchestra!In this handbook,you will find information about our string groups, schedules, expectations, and more. You can also find this information on my teacher site calendar.
Concert Schedule
Any additions will be communicated in advance.
9th gr. Orchestra with CB West Orchestra Thursday, October 26th 7:00 pm
Halloween Pops Concert at CB South HS
*Winter Orchestra Concert Wednesday, December 13th 7:00 pm
All string groups perform.
Special Person’s Day In-School Concert Friday, December 15th 9th grade Orchestra & String Ensemble perform.
CB VH1 Save the Music Foundation Benefit Concert Friday, January 26th7:30 pm
String Ensemble performs. Concert is at Holicong MS.
*Spring Orchestra Concert Tuesday, May 1st 7:00 pm
All string groups perform.
Music in the Parks Adjudication Trip Allentown, PA Friday, May 11th
String Ensemble performs.
6th grade Orientation In-School Performance Wednesday, May 23rd
String Ensemble performs. Thursday, May 24th
String Performance Groups
Orchestra Class:Orchestra class is offered to students who play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass. The class meets all year, every other day, for a 50- minute period. Students play in a string orchestra setting and perform in the Winter and Spring Concerts. Students will advance on their instrument and learn how to be an ensemble player.
String Ensemble (select group):Participation in String Ensemble is by audition. Audition packets are available in the Orchestra room and on my teacher site. This select group performs for a variety of functions including concerts, awards ceremonies, school board meetings, and community events. String Ensemble competes in the Music in the Parks Festival. Rehearsals are on alternating Wednesdays & Thursdays (whichever is the B day) from 2:45 - 4:00.
Ninth Grade String Quartet/Quintet (select group):This auditioned, elite chamber group is chosen by highest 9th grade String Ensemble audition scores. Most rehearsals take place during the school day, but some after-school rehearsals might be needed. Performances include all seasonal Orchestra Concerts, the NJHS Induction Ceremony, 9th grade Promotion Ceremony, and other school and community events.
String Ensemble Attendance Policy
Weekly attendance is expected at String Ensemble rehearsals. Students CAN participate in multiple after-school activities, including sports & other music ensembles. Continued participation in String Ensemble is contingent on consistent attendance. If students are participating in a Lenape or West sport, they must give Mrs. Tosti a copy of their sports schedule at the beginning of the season. It is up to students to initiate conversation about how time will be split between String Ensemble and the sport. We are always able to work out a solution when discussed ahead of time. Students will not be permitted to take multi-week breaks from String Ensemble for any reason.
BCMEA County & PMEA District Orchestra Festivals
The BCMEA County Orchestra and PMEA District Orchestra Festivals are auditioned, 3-day honors orchestra festivals. The festivals include string students from Bucks and Montgomery counties. Students who take private lessons, are in String Ensemble, and/or are highly motivated are encouraged to audition for these festivals. Please speak with your private teacher & Mrs. Tosti if you are interested in auditioning. Audition requirements are posted on my teacher site.
By audition for students in grades 9-12
PMEA District High School Orchestra Audition Saturday, December 9, 2017
PMEA District High School Orchestra Festival Thursday-Saturday, February 8-10, 2018
BCMEA County High School Orchestra Audition Tuesday, November 14, 2017
BCMEA County High School Orchestra Festival Thursday-Saturday, March 15-17, 2018
By audition for students in grades 7 & 8
BCMEA County Middle School Orchestra Audition Saturday, January 6, 2018
BCMEA County Middle School Orchestra Festival Thursday-Saturday, March 15-17, 2018
Grading Policy
40%- Class Performance & Preparation
Meeting weekly playing goals through practice.
30%- Rehearsal & Concert Skills
Arriving prepared for rehearsal with instrument, folder, music, and a pencil.
Contributing individual effort and focus toward group success.
Contributing in class conversation and reflection.
After School Rehearsals and Concerts
30%- Performance & Technology Assessments
Performance Exams and Quizzes
Written assignments, concert reflections, theory work, and reading assignments.
Expectations
- Students are asked to treat classmates, instruments, and equipment with respect at all times. Let’s promote a positive environment for our Orchestra.
- Students are encouraged to try their best. Music is a lot of fun but is not easy. The more you put into playing your instrument, the more fun you and we will have!
- Orchestra class is not a large time commitment beyond the school day. Students in Orchestra class only must attend the Winter and Spring Concerts, as well 2 after school rehearsals preceding each concert. These dates will always be communicated far in advance. Since after school rehearsals and concerts are part of the curriculum, they are graded and mandatory.
- Students are expected to establish a daily practice routine at home. Practicing at home is the best way to further progress and reinforce concepts learned in class. Think of practicing as your homework for Orchestra class. Always practice with GOALS in mind, not minutes. Parents should help their child establish a practice schedule and encourage practice.
After School Rehearsal & Concert Policy
As stated above, attending after school rehearsals and concerts is part of the Orchestra curriculum and therefore graded. Since they are our only opportunity to rehearse with the full group, they are mandatory. If you have a sports practice or game that overlaps with an after school rehearsal, please let Mrs. Tosti know as soon as possible. Please try to avoid scheduling appointments on the after school rehearsal days. Any conflict must be communicated to Mrs. Tosti in person AND by filling out the After School Rehearsal Excuse Form on my teacher site.
- If a concert is missed (excused), a written assignment will be given to substitute the missed points. An excused absence includes a medical emergency that cannot be communicated in advance or an extenuating circumstance that is discussed prior to the missed concert. The make- up assignment can be found on my teacher site and is due two weeks after the missed concert.
- If a concert is missed (unexcused), no substitute assignment will be given and the student receives 0 points. An unexcused absence includes not showing up for the rehearsal/concert with no communication before and/or after the date.
Concert Attire
The Lenape Orchestra concert “uniform” is black pants (no skirts or dresses), white dress shirt (no sleeveless or t-shirts), black shoes, and a tie for gentlemen. Please make sure you have these items in advance of the concerts. I highly recommend shopping at stores where you can purchase these items inexpensively. If this presents a financial problem, please let Mrs. Tosti know and we will secure your child clothing.
Private Lessons
While it is not required that students take private lessons, it is an option to consider. Some students study privately to supplement the progress we make in class.Working one on one with a teacher is the best way to improve your playing. A list of local private teachers is available upon request.
Instrument Rentals & Storage
You can rent instruments through Russo Music Service and have them dropped off to Lenape. If you need a rental instrument for this school year, please order now!
Go to russomusic.com andclick on PA. All of the CB schools will be found in a drop down box. Select Lenape and Russo will deliver your instrument to school.
Violins and violas are brought to/from school each B day for class. They are stored in astorage room in the Auditorium. Violinists and violist will be assigned an instrument locker, which requires a combination lock. Please put a name- tag on your case. Cello & bass players should keep their instruments at home to practice onand will be provided an instrument to play for class.
2017-2018Lenape Orchestra Contract
Please fill out and return by September 8th
Student Name (please print): ______
Parent’s Names (please print) ______
Preferred Phone # ( ) ______
Preferred Parent Email______
Instrument ______Grade: 7th_____ 8th______9th______
List other instruments you play (if any) ______
Do you take private lessons on your Orchestra instrument? Yes / No
Private Teacher Name______No. of years taken ______
Parents: I would be willing to:
- Help with the LMS Music Dept. Open Mic. Night on 10/20/17Yes/No
- Chaperone the Music in the Parks Trip on 5/11/18Yes/No
Major Concert Dates
Winter Orchestra Concert Wednesday, December 13th7:00 pm
All string groups perform.
Spring Orchestra Concert Tuesday, May 1st7:00 pm
All string groups perform.
Music in the Parks Adjudication Trip Allentown, PA Friday, May 11th
String Ensemble performs.
We have read the packet and understand the expectations and grading procedures of participation in Orchestra. We understand that after school rehearsals are part of our child’s grade and are therefore mandatory. We have put all concert dates on our home calendar and understand that they are graded and therefore mandatory. We understand that continued participation in select String Ensemble and 9th grade Quintet is contingent on consistent attendance.
STUDENT SIGNATURE: ______
PARENT SIGNATURE: ______